- South Africa's first mpox death reported.
- Five cases confirmed, all males aged 30-39 with no travel history.
- Local transmission suspected, disease spreads through close contact.
- Health officials work to contain outbreak, WHO has no travel restrictions.
A 37-year-old man has become South Africa’s first recorded death from mpox, a viral infection that has been confirmed in five laboratory cases in the past month. The Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, confirmed the news on Wednesday, June 12, and added that four other patients are still receiving treatment.
The man died in Tembisa Hospital on Monday, according to Phaahla, who addressed a news conference to discuss the outbreak. The minister noted that all five cases involve males aged between 30-39 years, with no travel history to countries currently experiencing an outbreak, suggesting local transmission of the disease.
Mpox is a viral infection that spreads through close contact, causing flu-like symptoms and pus-filled lesions, and can be fatal in some cases. According to Phaahla, all of South Africa’s mpox cases involve men aged between 30-39 years, with no travel history to countries currently experiencing an outbreak, indicating local transmission of the disease.
One patient has been discharged, one has been discharged for home isolation, and two remain in hospital, according to the minister. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended any travel restrictions, but travellers to and from endemic countries are advised to alert health officials to enable guided case detection and management.
Phaahla emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention and contact tracing for suspected symptoms, as mpox can be prevented and managed. The outbreak has raised concerns about the spread of mpox in South Africa, and health officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
